Activate mode

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=false, idempotentHint=true and destructiveHint=false, so the safety profile is covered structurally. The description adds that the activation is broad ("all of its channel settings"), but omits whether existing manual channel settings are overwritten, whether only one mode can be active, or how to revert.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

One short sentence, front-loaded with the verb and resource, with the operative effect in the trailing clause. Nothing is redundant or padding.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a one-parameter tool with full schema coverage and annotations that cover the safety profile, the description is close to sufficient. The main missing piece is the state transition: whether activation replaces current channel settings and how it interacts with other modes, which matters for a non-destructive-looking but system-wide mutation.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100% and the single parameter already documents "Mode uid or exact name", so the schema carries the load. The description adds no syntax, format, or lookup guidance (e.g., where to get the uid) beyond what the schema states, which is the expected baseline 3.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

Specific verb+resource ("Activate a saved mode") with a stated effect ("applying all of its channel settings"), and it cross-references list_modes as the discovery path. It does not, however, differentiate itself from the sibling apply_profile, which could plausibly be the same kind of operation.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The parenthetical "see list_modes" gives an implied prerequisite for obtaining a valid mode identifier, which is useful. But there is no explicit when/when-not guidance, and no indication of how this differs from apply_profile or what happens to currently active modes.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.